PLYMOUTH, Mich., April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adient (NYSE: ADNT), a global leader in automotive seating, will host a conference call on May 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss its second quarter fiscal 2025 financial results. A link to the live webcast of the call and presentation materials will be available on the Adient Investor Relations website (http://investors.adient.com). A replay will be available at the same site. To participate by telephone, please dial 888-566-1827 (U.S.) or 773-799-3976 (int ...

Core Insights - Proposed tariffs by President Trump on goods from Mexico and Canada are expected to impact automotive suppliers more severely than automakers, potentially leading to broader industry disruptions [1][4] - Compliance with the USMCA is crucial for avoiding tariffs, with a significant portion of vehicle parts not meeting the stringent standards [2][3] Industry Impact - The automotive supply chain is already fragile post-COVID, facing challenges such as high interest rates, labor shortages, and declining profits, which could be exacerbated by new tariffs [4][5] - Major publicly traded suppliers have seen stock declines, with companies like American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings and Magna International down by double digits this year [5] Compliance Statistics - In 2024, only 63% of motor vehicle parts imported from Mexico were compliant with USMCA standards, compared to 92.1% of motor vehicles [6][12] - For Canada, 74.6% of motor vehicle parts and 96.9% of vehicles were imported tariff-free under USMCA in 2024 [6] Tariff Effects - The proposed tariffs could lead to a 25% increase in costs for non-compliant parts, which suppliers are unlikely to absorb, potentially leading to higher consumer prices for vehicles [13][17] - A survey indicated that 97% of parts makers expressed concerns about financial distress due to tariffs, particularly affecting smaller suppliers [15] Supply Chain Resilience - The supply chain is described as resilient yet fragile, with significant challenges in quickly adapting to major policy shifts [8][9] - Executives from various companies, including Forvia, have indicated that the industry cannot sustain the proposed tariffs without passing costs onto consumers [17]

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment Industry faces significant uncertainty due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and an expected decline in light vehicle production, which is likely to reduce demand for auto equipment. However, companies like American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc., and Adient plc are leveraging international presence, acquisitions, and technological advancements to navigate these challenges [1][4]. Industry Description - The Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment Industry includes companies that design and produce passive safety systems, driveline, and metal forming technologies for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The industry also provides equipment to the U.S. government and major car manufacturers, and some companies offer equipment financing and leasing solutions [2]. Factors Shaping Industry Prospects - **Import Tariffs**: The Trump administration's protectionist policies impose tariffs of up to 25% on non-U.S.-based auto equipment manufacturers, which could negatively impact their profits and encourage investment in U.S.-based manufacturing [3]. - **Decline in Light Vehicle Production**: Light vehicle output is projected to decline by 1.8% year-over-year in Q1 2025 and 0.5% for the full year, which is expected to reduce demand for auto equipment and affect companies' revenues [4]. - **Technological Advancements**: Automation is enhancing efficiency and reducing labor costs in manufacturing, allowing companies to remain competitive and respond quickly to market changes [5]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment Industry ranks 148, placing it in the bottom 40% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating dim near-term prospects [6][7]. - The industry's earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have decreased by 26.40% and 19.80%, respectively, over the past year, reflecting a negative outlook [8]. Market Performance - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500, declining by 11.7% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 15.1% and the broader sector's decline of 1.4% [11]. Current Valuation - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 19.25X, higher than the S&P 500's 17.27X and the sector's 18.69X. Over the past five years, the industry has traded between 4X and 22.09X, with a median of 12.69X [13][14]. Notable Companies - **American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AXL)**: A leading supplier of driveline systems, focusing on electrification and optimizing its portfolio through acquisitions. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS implies a year-over-year growth of 13.92% [18][19]. - **Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN)**: A manufacturer of automatic transmissions, expanding into new markets and focusing on advanced technology. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 1.53% and 6.26%, respectively [21][22]. - **Adient plc (ADNT)**: A major automotive seating supplier, focusing on automation and modularity to enhance efficiency. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 1.71% and 43.08%, respectively [23][24].

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - Three stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List due to downward revisions in earnings estimates for the current year Company-Specific Summaries - ASGN Incorporated (ASGN) provides IT services, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings revised downward by 6.1% over the last 60 days [1] - Adecco Group AG (AHEXY) is a human resources services company, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings revised downward by 5% over the last 60 days [1] - Adient plc (ADNT) is an automotive seating supplier, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings revised downward by 13.7% over the last 60 days [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for Adient plc to continue deleveraging its balance sheet to prevent significant impairment charges in the future [1]. Group 1: Company Analysis - Adient plc was previously discussed in November, highlighting the importance of sustained deleveraging [1]. - The company is positioned in a market where individual investors seek undervalued, profitable stocks with strong balance sheets and minimal debt [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment strategy involves buying undervalued stocks and, when possible, writing calls against positions to generate additional income [1]. - Risk management is emphasized through position sizing and the use of trailing stop losses over time [1].

Debt Offering Details - Adient's wholly-owned subsidiary, Adient Global Holdings Ltd, priced a private offering of $795 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.50% senior unsecured notes due 2033, issued at par value [1] - The notes offering is expected to close on February 3, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions [1] Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering, along with cash on hand, will be used to redeem Adient's existing 4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2026 and to pay related fees and expenses [2] Offering Structure - The notes will be offered in private transactions to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act [3] Company Overview - Adient is a global leader in automotive seating with over 70,000 employees across 29 countries and more than 200 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide [5] - The company produces and delivers automotive seating for all major OEMs, offering complete seating systems and individual components [5] - Adient's integrated capabilities span the entire automotive seat-making process, from research and design to engineering and manufacturing [5]

Bond Offering and Use of Proceeds - Adient's subsidiary, Adient Global Holdings Ltd, plans to offer $795 million in new senior unsecured notes due 2033 in a private offering [1] - The net proceeds from the offering, along with cash on hand, will be used to redeem the company's existing 4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2026 and to pay related fees and expenses [2] - The offering will be made in private transactions to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons under Regulation S [3] Company Overview - Adient is a global leader in automotive seating with over 70,000 employees across 29 countries [5] - The company operates more than 200 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide and supplies automotive seating to all major OEMs [5] - Adient's expertise covers the entire automotive seat-making process, from research and design to engineering and manufacturing [5] Legal and Regulatory Information - The press release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit the purchase of the Notes or any other securities [4] - The Notes and related guarantees have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws [4] - The Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption [4]

Core Insights - Adient reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 27 cents for Q1 fiscal 2025, down from 31 cents year-over-year but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 24 cents [1] - The company generated net sales of $3.5 billion, a 5% decrease year-over-year, yet exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.43 billion [1] Segmental Performance - The Americas segment recorded revenues of $1.61 billion, a decline of 2.2% year-over-year, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.62 billion. Adjusted EBITDA for this segment was $85 million, up from $80 million in the prior-year quarter but below the consensus estimate of $86 million [3] - The EMEA segment reported revenues of $1.13 billion, down 10.9% year-over-year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.15 billion. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $22 million from $45 million in the previous year, also missing the consensus estimate of $29.2 million [4] - The Asia segment's revenues were $772 million, a slight increase from $770 million year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $722 million. Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $111 million from $114 million in the prior year but exceeded the consensus estimate of $108 million [5] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2024, Adient had cash and cash equivalents of $860 million, down from $945 million as of September 30, 2024. Long-term debt stood at $2.4 billion, and capital expenditures totaled $64 million compared to $55 million in the prior-year quarter. The company repurchased shares worth $25 million during the quarter [6] Revised Guidance for FY25 - Adient revised its fiscal 2025 revenue guidance to $13.9 billion, down from the previous estimate of $14.1-$14.4 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is now estimated at $850 million, compared to the prior range of $850-$900 million. Equity income is projected to be $80 million [7] Cash Flow and Expenses - Free cash flow is anticipated to be $180 million, reduced from the previous estimate of $200 million. Capital expenditures are estimated at $285 million, with cash tax expected to be $105 million and interest expenses projected at $185 million [8]

Core Insights - Adient's 2024 Sustainability Report highlights the company's commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance practices, aligning with its business strategy [2][3] Environmental Achievements - Adient has achieved a 38% reduction in global scope 1 and 2 absolute greenhouse gas emissions compared to the base year 2019, with a target of 75% reduction by 2030 [3] - As of September 30, 2024, 29% of Adient's total electricity consumption globally is sourced from renewable energy [3] - The company completed a supply chain mapping project for key forest commodities and launched initiatives to improve water management, achieving a 7% year-over-year reduction in total water withdrawals [3] - In fiscal year 2024, Adient completed over 1,500 continuous improvement projects, resulting in savings of 7,391 metric tons of CO2e, 53,669 cubic meters of water, 8.8 million kWh-equivalent of fuel, 5,308 metric tons of waste, and 62 million kWh of energy [3] Social Responsibility - Adient maintains a health and safety management system certified to the ISO 45001 standard, with 98% of manufacturing sites third-party audited and certified [3] - The company has spent over $9.6 billion with minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses since its establishment in 2016, emphasizing diversity and inclusion [3] - Employees participated in numerous community outreach projects worldwide, reflecting the company's commitment to community engagement [3] Governance and Compliance - The 2024 Sustainability Report includes verified data on key sustainability metrics, assured by a third party, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of reported data [3] - In fiscal year 2024, 99% of Adient's global salaried workforce certified compliance with the company's Ethics Policy [3] - Adient launched a Global Comprehensive Supplier Scorecard to monitor supplier performance in quality, delivery, and sustainability, and established a supplier Center of Excellence for enhanced compliance and risk management [3]

Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 15% year-over-year, driven by strong sales in the North American market [1]. - Net profit margin improved to 12%, up from 10% in the previous quarter [2]. - Operating expenses rose by 8%, primarily due to increased marketing and R&D investments [3]. Market Expansion - The company successfully entered three new international markets, contributing to a 20% increase in global sales [4]. - A new distribution center was opened in Europe to support the growing demand in the region [1]. - Strategic partnerships were formed with local retailers in Asia to enhance market penetration [2]. Product Development - Launched two new product lines, which accounted for 25% of total revenue in the last quarter [3]. - R&D investment increased by 10% to accelerate innovation and product differentiation [4]. - Customer feedback on the new products has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 90% satisfaction rate [1]. Operational Efficiency - Implemented new supply chain management software, reducing logistics costs by 5% [2]. - Streamlined manufacturing processes, resulting in a 7% increase in production output [3]. - Employee training programs were expanded, leading to a 15% improvement in operational efficiency [4]. Customer Engagement - Customer retention rate improved to 85%, up from 80% in the previous year [1]. - Launched a new loyalty program, which has already attracted over 100,000 members [2]. - Enhanced customer service through the introduction of a 24/7 support hotline [3]. Sustainability Initiatives - Reduced carbon emissions by 10% through the adoption of renewable energy sources [4]. - Implemented a company-wide recycling program, achieving a 30% reduction in waste [1]. - Committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, with interim targets set for 2025 [2]. Strategic Investments - Acquired a smaller competitor to expand market share and diversify product offerings [3]. - Invested $50 million in a new technology startup to explore emerging markets [4]. - Allocated additional funds to digital transformation initiatives, aiming to enhance online sales channels [1].